Alexandra is a contracted work with KFORCE at HP, Inc. where she manages restricted substance testing for HP Z Workstations and performs miscellaneous sustainability-related tasks.
What led you to a natural resources education/career?
My first experience with mountains led me to take an interest in ecology and develop my relationship with nature. I knew then that I wanted my career to be centered around our natural world.
What are you up to now in your job? Any noteworthy projects to discuss? (or any recently completed etc.)?
Some of my more recent sustainability projects include an industry-wide competitive analysis on corporate sustainability strategy and conducting life cycle assessments (LCA), which has been presented to various audiences.
How did CSU set you up for success in your career field?
Sustainability is the big trend in business and many companies have taken the attitude of every job being a “green” job. My time at CSU has allowed me to stand out from the rest as one of the very few with in-depth understanding of sustainability and its core concepts. My CSU education has given me the ability to instill a more genuine and holistic approach to sustainability wherever I work.
What advice do you have for current students or recent grads?
It took me until after graduation to finally accept that it really is about who you know, not what you know. Keep in touch with classmates and former professors. Create that LinkedIn profile. Don’t be afraid to cold email people with the job you want or people in the industry you want to be in. When you get a job, find other sustainability-minded people and initiate conversations with them around what your workplace can add to the sustainability revolution.
Any recent professional awards or distinctions you may have received?
In 2021, I became a member of the International Society of Sustainability Professionals.